That pretty much completely obliterates the "generally healthy with longer lifespan" requirement. Also doubt the person wants to spend several thousand dollars on a designer "breed" from a BYB.

I'd stay away from most bully breeds/mixes myself, with that list. I'd rule out most hounds too, if he's actually wanting breeds that are overtly people friendly (walk up and actively greet/play with people they don't know), most hound breeds are aloof with strangers.

That's such a short want list, but it's like playing a game of, "Good, fast, or cheap...you can only pick two."

If "friendly" just means "not prone to human aggression" that opens it up a bit more, what about something like a Weim?

Moderate energy lets out a Weim to me, and I discounted most of the sporting group for that reason. One of the reasons I brought up hounds is that pretty much all the hound breeds are really, really good at chilling. This goes for both sight and scent hounds, so it gives a wide range to pick from.

I'm not sure how long Bassets live but holy hell they are friendly dogs. Noisy, messy, and funny to watch trip on their own ears but FRIENDLY. I always feel like the coolest person on earth with the Bassets at my work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laurelin

Shelter labrabmutt?

Better yet, a BassetxLab shelter mutt! ^_^

(^A foster I had a few years ago. He was from a high kill shelter. Awesome, awesome dog.)

He'll be staying in New Brunswick when he moves, although he does travel a decent amount for his job. I know his girlfriend would be keen to look after the dog when he does go on work trips though, which is the one thing I worried about.

I doubt he's looking to spend a couple thousand dollars on any dog, but I think if he did want to look into particular breeds, he'd be okay with maybe a thousand. For him, probably the most important traits in a dog would be the friendly, up to go for a hike/walk/etc and although it's a tall order, not an insane amount of barking. Alert barking is fine and some amount of barking while playing is fine, but I don't think he wants a dog who is extremely vocal.

His idea of friendly is just that the dog isn't aggressive but isn't too reserved either. I know he'd love the idea of having a dog excited to see him but having a dog who is that way over everyone, isn't important to him. Just friendly enough that he could walk around the city or go to the beach, etc and not have to worry. Friendly with other dogs as well, and although small animals aren't quite as important, it is the city... so a dog with a high prey drive wouldn't be the best bet. Likely, the dog's primary playmate would be my dad's girlfriend's parents' Golden Retriever, who my dad is pretty fond of.

I've been browsing the shelter and kijiji ads lately too for him. I think probably a shelter lab mix or even a herding mix could be good for him.

ETA: Too bad he completely veto'd the idea of a small dog, they have a little Papillon mix up for adoption!

__________________

The two and a half year old papillon. Crazy. Social butterfly. Clever.

there are classic or xl ambullies that are health tested and less than 1k, contrary to what some might want to think

__________________"We possess the power
If this should start to fall apart
To mend divides
To change the world
To reach the farthest star
If we should stay silent
If fear should win our hearts
Our light will have long diminished
Before it reaches the farthest star"-Ronan Harris, NVN Nation

there are classic or xl ambullies that are health tested and less than 1k, contrary to what some might want to think

Only Bullies I'm aware of that are health tested (and not human aggressive) have elbow and/or hip dysplasia, are being bred anyway, being linebred on dogs that carry chondrodysplastic dwarfism, and sold with UKC papers as APBTs even though they're designer mutts. And this is one of the "better" breeders. I'm not going to hijack Cali's post to get into an argument over Bullies or Doodlewhats or any other designer dog but I'll be happy to share my thoughts in a separate thread if you'd like to create one.

That was my other idea as well! They sound like they could be a good fit, in the way that they seem to be content to lay around but also enjoy going out for a run/walk. I'm going to message him the link to the rescue actually.

__________________

The two and a half year old papillon. Crazy. Social butterfly. Clever.

I think your dad should go for a shelter dog. Depending where he is, most shelters can match him up with a dog that matches his lifestyle and that has the personality/temperament he's looking for.

I'd steer clear from hounds or huskies as they are likely to bolt/wander when they see something interesting (though that is not always the case and can be trained out of the dog).

As for energy and trainability, Rottweilers are athletic, enthusiastic dogs that love a workout. If you get a Rottie or Rottie mix though, it is better to get them young because they need a lot of socialization as a puppy to fully warm up to people and other dogs. I've never had a problem with my Rottie being dog aggressive, but she is pretty timid with new people. Also, very little shedding, just give them a bath once a month and you're good to go.

Another option for him might be a German Shepherd (if so be warned they are seasonal shedders, but athletic dogs and fairly easy to find breeders). Weimeraners and Vizslas are great if he wasnts a more athletic dog. One of my professor's has a Weimeraner and she is great with his baby.